COUNCIL and housing association tenants have been invited to an event to find out more about plans for 23 affordable rented homes.

Broadacres Housing Association and City of York Council are holding the event at Clifton Green Primary School today from 4.30-7pm.

The plans for the site of the former YWCA hostel in Water Lane include 16 two-bedroom apartments with priority to people aged 55 and over who would benefit from a smaller property, as well as seven three-bedroom family homes.

This is the association’s first affordable housing scheme in York, and the council has supported its application for funding and its promotion of downsizing as part of a wider cross-city programme.

The council said applicants will be prioritised by ward, starting with people living in nearby Clifton, Heworth, Skelton, Rawcliffe and Clifton Without.

Coun Tracey Simpson-Laing, Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “Giving tenants the homes they need is crucial. By providing existing tenants with an attractive and viable choice of smaller homes to suit their changing needs, we will also free larger homes for tenants with growing families and so make the best use of our housing stock.”

The £1.6 million scheme is set for completion in June.